Few places on Earth have managed to hold onto their popularity and allure quite like the Caribbean, and as yet another tiny island in the region shows unstoppable growth rates, it’s worth revisiting – what is it about these postcard-looking beaches that we just can’t seem to get enough of?
Queen Beatrix International Airport, which famously connects Aruba to the rest of the world, just released its latest annual report, showing that 193 km² (75²) island welcomed close to 3 million visitors last year.
Remember, this marks a whopping 14% increase from the previous statistical period, and since it’s safe to assume the beaches haven’t become any more striking and the weather hasn’t gotten any dreamier, why are people flocking to the Caribbean island now more than ever?
It’s Never Been This Easy To Get To Aruba
One thing that has kept travelers back from finally making that Aruba trip happen in the past is that this is, well, a small island that hasn’t been serviced extensively by major U.S. airlines, and certainly not budget-friendly ones.
All that seems to be changing, though, with Spirit and Southwest both introducing new routes and making thousands upon thousands of new seats available to the public starting at just $220 per round trip.
Delta also introduced a new Atlanta-Aruba flight not too long ago, just be warned that this is a pricier option, with return tickets hovering around the $800-$1000 range.
Aruba’s remarkable increase in accessibility is due to more than just better flight choices.
This year, the country also introduced the long-awaited Aruba Happy One Pass, which, in a nutshell, allows travelers to input all of their info on an App and pass through the border checkpoint without having to show a physical passport.
How does this work? You can find out all about it here.
So Many Exciting New Resorts To Explore
The many new indulgent resorts opening in Aruba this year are a major part of the country’s surge in popularity, too.
St. Regis Aruba and the Iberostar Grand Aruba, in particular, are the two hottest openings travelers are looking forward to this year, each promising luxurious suites, impeccable locations, and state-of-the-art amenities, so if you want to get pampered this summer, keep your eyes peeled for updates.
Plenty Of New Restaurants, Too
If you’re more of a foodie, don’t worry – I’ve got good news for you, too.
Newly-opened places like the Coco Café, Mercát, KOAL, and (upgraded) Ruinas Del Mar, are not only already a hit with travelers, but also provide the perfect excuse for those who’ve already been to the island to come and try something new.
While at it, schedule a stop at The Wave Shack – known for some fantastic comfort dishes like thin-crust pizzas, paninis, burgers, and fries, Divi Resort’s newest addition is not to be missed.
The 2024 Event Calendar In Aruba is Jam-Packed
If you’ve got a little bit of time left over between sunbathing sessions and restaurant tryouts, you can always spend it exploring the island’s insane entertainment scene.
These upcoming months, beach parties (of which Dushi Aruba This Way would be my top recommendation), music festivals, and family-friendly celebrations are all on the books, and you can learn more about them here.
You Can Always Go Back To The Classic Attractions
At the end of the day, you’ve probably come to Aruba for the jaw-dropping beaches, so with that in mind, let’s quickly go through some of the ones you won’t want to miss out on right now.
You’ll best understand the island’s reputation as a white sand paradise at Eagle Beach, which, be warned, will leave you a little out of breath with its vast pearly sand, crystal-looking water, and idyllic atmosphere.
And if you like the idea of Eagle Beach but want to go somewhere quieter and more secluded, Manchebo ticks all the boxes.
Beyond that, figure out what you want and choose a place that fits the bill.
Those looking to see the famous Aruban palapas can’t go wrong with Arashi Beach, windsurfers will love Fisherman’s Huts, and those who just want to finally see the views that have swarmed their social media feeds these last few years and don’t mind the extra crowds can just go to the iconic Palm Beach.
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